REPORT: FINN HARPS 7-1 CABINTEELY

Finn Harps will face either Shelbourne or Drogheda in the play-offs after hammering 7 goals past Cabinteely in their last game of the season.

Harps ended the season unbeaten in 10 games. The game started in a very open fashion, despite little to play for and Cabinteely went close via Paul Fox but his close range effort was saved by Peter Burke, not long after Jesse Devers had a header cleared off the line.

The deadlock was broken on 12 minutes and the floodgates opened after that as Harps score 3 in less than 10 minutes. Mikey Place grabbed yet another goal to get things going, converting a header after a delicate cross from Devers.

Paddy McCourt doubled the lead in typical fashion, making a great run into the box, the defenders backing off before he lashed home into the bottom right corner. McCourt turned provider for the third, playing a precise through ball down the middle for Devers to tuck away past Jack Menton.

Shortly before McCourt’s goal it could have easily been 1-1 but Marty Waters saw a great effort rebound off the bar. Both sides continued to create chances as Harps lead 3-0 at the break.

Cabinteely hit back quickly in the second half with Waters finding the net from close range but Cabinteely were not quite prepared for what came next as Harps scored another 4 goals.

Aidan Friel added Harps fourth with a neat toe poke before Place grabbed his ninth of the season not long after.

Nathan Boyle got his name on the scoresheet in the 82nd minute after a bit of a scramble on the penalty spot.

Then came the goal of the game as Jacob Borg had a pop at goal from about 40 yards and to the surprise of everyone, it nestled into the bottom corner. Shouts from the home fans for an eighth goal went unanswered as Harps recorded their biggest win of the season.